This past week, country music legend Loretta Lynn visited NPR’s Fresh Air to discuss her incredible life and career with host Terry Gross. The two discussed Loretta’s start in the industry, her occasionally controversial lyrics, and of course, her incredible memoir, Coal Miner’s Daughter, recently reissued in paperback.
It’s been 50 years since Loretta recorded her first single, “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” and since then she’s rung up her share of #1 country singles (16!). And it’s clear from the interview that she’s still got plenty left to say. On Tuesday, a tribute album — also called Coal Miner’s Daughter — was released, featuring artists like the White Stripes, Carrie Underwood, and Kid Rock. Loretta will also be making select tour stops across the country this winter and spring.
You can listen to the complete Fresh Air interview here, and you can read an excerpt from Coal Miner’s Daughter here.